Restoration work on Christ the Redeemer done

The restoration works on world-famous Rio landmark Christ the Redeemer were completed this Friday morning (July 11). The works had begun six months ago by restoring the thumbs of the statue, which had been struck by lightning late last year.

Besides the restoration of the soapstone mosaic, the lightning rods have been extended and the lightning protection and electrostatic shielding have been enhanced. According to the National Institute for Space Research (INPE), the monument was hit by an average six lightning strokes a year.

The restoration cost a total $900,000 funded by a partnership between the Archdiocese of Rio de Janeiro, which is responsible for the monument, and car tire manufacturer Pirelli.

A new feature is the setup of four cameras 38 meters high on the statue head. One of them will take pictures of visitors, and the other three will photograph the visit site, Guanabara Bay, and the Rodrigo de Freitas Lagoon.

Translated by Mayra Borges